At Elite Chiropractic & Wellness Center, we understand the importance of knowledge in the healing journey. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about herniated discs and how you can achieve relief.
What is a herniated disc?
Between the vertebrae of your body lie small cushions or discs. This helps absorb the shock to your body, helps you move properly, and prevents the bones from grinding against one another. Sometimes, these discs get compressed or damaged, which can cause a small rupture in the outer casing and allow the inner gel-like substance to pour out. This is called a herniated disc.
What’s the difference between a slipped disc, a ruptured disc, and a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is often referred to as either a slipped disc or a ruptured disc, so they are all the same thing.
Are bulging discs and herniated discs the same thing, too?
You might hear these terms used interchangeably by some people, but they’re two different things. If your disc bulges, it means that the disc is only protruding to some degree, but only the outer part is affected. The disc bulged, but the inner fluid is not spilling out. As such, you normally don’t experience as much pain as you do with a herniated disc.
How do I know if I have a herniated disc?
When the inner fluid leaks out, it typically interferes with surrounding musculoskeletal components. This can cause pain, tingling, weakness, numbness, or a burning sensation in the affected area. Usually, you’ll feel these symptoms on one side of the body rather than both and might notice that they get worse while walking, when you first wake up, or after sitting. When you change activities or positions, the symptoms often ease or go away completely.
What treatments are available for herniated disc pain?
Many people worry that they’ll need invasive treatments for a condition like a herniated disc, but your chiropractor can help you heal naturally. Treatments are geared toward relieving the compression or addressing the injury that caused the herniation. Spinal adjustments are utilized to restore the spine’s alignment. Decompression therapy decompresses the spine and pulls the disc back into place. And soft tissue manipulation and corrective exercises can help restore function, reduce inflammation, and further reduce herniated disc pain.
Contact Your Beverly Hills CA Chiropractor for Herniated Disc Pain Relief
If you have more questions about herniated discs or would like to get started healing, our team at Elite Chiropractic & Wellness Center is committed to helping you. Call (310) 880-1695 to schedule your appointment today.
